Application of an immunological method to detect trace amounts of dried human semen

An immunological assay based on a monoclonal antibody was used for identification of trace amounts of dried human semen in forensic science evidence. The monoclonal antibody (Mab 4E6) produced recognizes a human sperm-coating antigen which is specific to human seminal plasma. This antigen seems to be a protein secreted by the epithelial cells of the ejaculatory duct, which is stable indefinitely at room temperature. Mab 4E6 reacts positively with semen samples from individuals independently to their ABO group or secretory status, but does not react with semen from bull, ram, boar, horse, rabbit and dog. In the assay system developed, Mab 4E6 can detect human seminal plasma at concentrations of 0.5 micrograms/ml total protein. A similar sensitivity is found when human semen stains are eluted from forensic science samples and tested by the same assay. This method shows a good correlation with the microscopic methods routinely used. The method described is very sensitive and reproducible, it is time saving and special laboratory equipment is not needed.     

Determination of total hemoglobin in forensic blood samples with special reference to carboxyhemoglobin analysis

For the determination of total hemoglobin (Hb) in blood containing elevated carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), a newly developed reagent containing a 100-fold concentration of ferricyanide (20 g/l) and a 2-fold concentration of Sterox SE was compared with a standard reagent (0.2 g/l ferricyanide), the reagent of van Kampen and Zijlstra, using forensic blood samples and experimentally heated blood samples. There were no significant differences between the spectra of hemiglobincyanide (HiCN) solution produced with our reagent and the van Kampen and Zijlstra reagent using experimentally heated blood samples. Although the spectra of HiCN changed gradually with increased heating time and with the passage of time after mixing, the absorbance at 540 nm (A540) did not change until at least 120 min for both the reagents. When forensic blood samples containing elevated COHb were mixed with the van Kampen and Zijlstra reagent, total-Hb concentrations determined 5 min after mixing were 10-20% higher than those determined after 180 min. The overestimates of total Hb determined after 5 min resulted in comparable underestimates of percentage saturation of COHb (COHb%) when COHb% was obtained from the ratio of COHb content, determined by gas chromatogrpahy, to total-Hb concentration in blood. However, there was an extremely good correlation between the values of total Hb in forensic blood samples determined with the van Kampen and Zijlstra reagent after 180 min and those determined with our reagent after 5 min. From the results obtained, our reagent proved to be suitable for the determination of total Hb in forensic science practice.     

Transferrin polymorphism detected in human urine using isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting

Genetic polymorphism of transferrin (TF) was revealed in human urine by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting on thin-layer polyacrylamide gels. Using this technique more than 300 urine samples were examined, and correct TF typing from a small volume of urine (approx. 0.5 ml) was achieved, in comparison with the results of direct grouping for plasma. Three common phenotypes, TF C1, C2-1 and C2, were differentiated. In addition, the rare types TF C1D, C2D, and C1B were observed. The frequencies of the TF alleles in our samples were found to be: TF*C1 = 0.7265, TF*C2 = 0.2624, TF*D = 0.0083 and TF*B = 0.0028.     

人体器官肺的体积、密度检测及其医学和法医学意义

目的积累不同种族人体器官组织体积和密度的基本数据。为病理学和法医学尸检提供简便、可靠的诊断方法。方法应用电子智能化体积-密度仪,同步检测正常人及各种疾病死者肺的质量、体积、密度。结果获得正常肺和不同程度弥漫性肺水肿病变器官体积和组织密度;在2例医源性循环超负荷和水中毒案件的法医病理学鉴定中,用肺密度值证实了常规病理组织学形态不典型的严重低渗性肺水肿。结论大体检测器官密度对尸体解剖的综合病理诊断具有一定的辅助意义。     

Fatal dog maulings associated with infant swings

We present three cases of fatal dog maulings of infants placed in mobile infant swings, a phenomenon not previously described in the literature. In each case, the victim was left in a mobile swing, unsupervised by an adult, and the attacking dog was a family pet. Case 1 involved an 18-day-old male infant attacked by a pit bull; Case 2 involved a 3-month-old male infant attacked by a Chow Chow and/or a Dachshund, and Case 3 involved an 18-day-old female infant attacked by a Labrador-pit bull mix. These cases not only underscore the importance of not leaving young children unattended in the presence of pet dogs, but also raise the possibility that mobile swings may trigger a predatory response in dogs and thus may represent an additional risk factor for dog attack.     

A survey of buprenorphine related deaths in Singapore

Buprenorphine is available in Singapore as substitution treatment for opioid dependence since 2002. This study surveys buprenorphine related deaths in Singapore between September 2003 and December 2004. The aims are to establish the autopsy prevalence of buprenorphine related deaths and the demographical and toxicological profile of the cases. Toxicological screening was performed for all unnatural deaths, deaths involving known drug addicts, as well as when autopsy revealed no obvious cause of death. Twenty-one cases had buprenorphine detected in post-mortem blood and/or urine samples. Eighteen were sudden deaths. There were two fatal falls from height and one death by hanging. All subjects were male. The age range was 24-48 years. Fourteen subjects were between 30 and 39 years of age. The mean age was 35 years. The majority (62%) were Chinese. Eleven (52%) were known drug abusers. For sudden deaths, two groups were identified. Six cases died from natural causes. Blood buprenorphine levels ranged from undetected (detected in urine) to 3.2 ng/mL (mean 1.4 ng/mL). Twelve cases were attributed directly and indirectly to mixed drug poisoning. Blood buprenorphine levels ranged from undetected (detected in urine) to 17 ng/mL (mean 3.2 ng/mL). Nineteen cases showed concurrent abuse of buprenorphine and benzodiazepine, diazepam being the most frequently detected, followed by nitrazepam and midazolam. The availability of buprenorphine as substitution therapy is associated with an increase in buprenorphine related deaths. The danger of co-abuse of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines is highlighted.     

Four X-chromosomal STRs and their allele frequencies in a Chinese population

X-chromosomal markers are particularly useful for solving complex problems relating to kinship and deficiency paternity analysis. In the present study, population genetics data of four X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) DXS8378, HPRTB, DXS7423 and DXS7132 were obtained by analyzing 500 unrelated Chinese individuals (250 males and 250 females). Population genetics data obtained from the Chinese were compared with those of the Asian and European population. Mutations in X-chromosomal markers were analyzed based on a total of 61 proven father-child and 45 proven mother-child pairs.